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Chicago-based Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® announced its 2012 sales statistics recently, showing that collectively, network affiliates produced $272 billion in sales in 2012 with over one million transaction sides. This is $65-70 billion more in dollar volume and approximately 20 percent more sides than its closest network competitors.

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® showed leadership in local markets as well, with network affiliates holding the number one ranking in 39 percent of the top 108 markets in either sales volume or transaction sides or both.

Among the top 500 companies in the country, affiliates out-performed all other networks by over 34 percent in 2012, according to REAL Trends 500, which ranks the largest companies by transaction sides and sales volume.

Within this group, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® members represented 13 of the top 25 brokerage firms in the U.S. and produced 27 percent of the total sales of the top 500 companies, compared to 20 percent by its closest competitor.

Figures for the top 500 firms are verified and published by REAL Trends. Figures for total sales of all networks are estimated by applying per-agent averages for each network for its top 500 affiliates to its overall agent population.

John R. Wood Realtors is a proud member of  Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®. As a member of RELO, John R. Wood Realtors specializes in satisfying the needs of people who are relocating or need real estate assistance across town or across country.

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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Each month, John R. Wood Realtors publishes their Neighborhood Snapshot Report which shows the number of closed sales over the last 12 months, as well as the available inventory in some of Naples’ and Bonita Springs’ most popular neighborhoods.  This report is divided by single-family homes and condominiums, and gives residents insight into how active their neighborhood is, as well as surrounding neighborhoods.

On this month’s report dated May 1, 2013, inventory has decreased in all areas tracked on this report with the exception of six neighborhoods. Both single-family homes and condominiums saw increases in closed sales for the past 12 months as well!

For more information and market data, please visit the John R. Wood Market Data Archive page!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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It’s Friday and it’s time to plan your weekend here in Southwest Florida! Here’s your Top 5 Things to Do This Weekend courtesy of Gulfshore Life!

1. Perhaps not since The Who unleashed Tommy has a band with a substantial following created a rock opera. But Green Day accomplished the feat with American Idiot, which was an album, then a hit on Broadway. Now the show is coming to the Barbara B. Mann for one night—tonight. www.bbmannpah.com.
2. Pablo Francisco has a knack for impressions. Be it Jackie Chan, Michael J. Fox or even Kermit the Frog, he’ll have you in stitches as he puts some of your favorite celebrities in less than celebrated situations during his four-night stand at Off the Hook Comedy Club on Marco Island starting tonight. www.offthehookcomedy.com
3. See the aspiring dancers of Naples Ballet as they take on the classic Swan Lake at the Sugden Community Theatre on Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. www.naplesacademyofballet.com
4. Take a trip back in time, and a literal trip across Pine Island Sound, for Cayo Costa Heritage Day. On Saturday, explore the island that was once a hub of commerce for the Calusa Indian tribe and early Spanish settlers with demonstrations, guided tours and more. The $35 admission fee includes a ferry ride from Pine Island, Punta Gorda, Captiva or Boca Grande, plus lunch. www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta
5. Take the whole family to Artis—Naples from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday for a free community day. Explore the museum, hear the orchestra rehearse, get your kids’ faces painted and enjoy some bilingual folk tales. Plus, the first 200 attendees get a free Artis—Naples shirt. www.artisnaples.org.

It’s also Homelook Magazine weekend! See this Sunday’s Naples Daily News for the May 19th issue of John R. Wood Realtors’ signature Open House Magazine, HomeLook^®.  Use this easy-to-carry and organized real estate guide to visit open houses this weekend and homes for sale in Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero FL!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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The John R. Wood Realtors’ April 2013 Market Report is now available!

Year‐to‐date closed sales in the $1.0 million and up category have reached the highest level since 2007. Closed sales in this category increased 15.8% from 278 in 2012 YTD to 322 in 2013 YTD. Click on the image below to get the full report!

For more information, visit our data research page!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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Have you ever wondered what the economical impact of a home sale is on the U.S. economy? Well, wonder no more! The folks at KCM Blog were kind enough to break it down for us with interesting results!

Recently, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) looked at studies done by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Census Bureau, Macroeconomic Advisors and the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard.

After reviewing the data, they determined the total economic impact of a typical home sale in the United States is $56,464!

How does this number break down?

Economic Contributions are derived from:

• Home construction
• Real estate brokerage
• Mortgage lending
• Title insurance
• Rental and Leasing
• Home appraisal
• Moving truck service
• Other related activities

When a home is sold in the U.S. …

• $14,958 is income generated from real estate related industries
• $5,647 for additional expenditures on consumer items such as on furniture, appliances, and paint service
• $3,509 for expenditures on remodeling within 2 years of purchase

A home sale generates an economic multiplier impact as well. There is a greater spending at restaurants, sports games, and charity events. The size of this “multiplier” effect is estimated to be at$11,575.

Additional home sales also induce additional home production. Typically, one new home is constructed for every 8 existing home sales. Therefore, for each existing home sale, 1/8 of new home value is added to the economy which is estimated in the U.S. to be $20,775.

Add up the numbers and it totals over $56,000! Very interesting!

For more information about homes for sale in the Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero market, contact a John R. Wood Realtor today!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

source: KCMblog.com

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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Many are excited about the recent announcement stating Hertz’s move to Southwest Florida.  The News-Press recently captured some of the comments made by community leaders in the Naples, Estero and Bonita Springs area regarding the decision.  Here’s what they had to say…

Mike Reagen, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce:

“I think everyone benefits from this,” he said. “I think it’s absolutely wonderful. It shows that Southwest Florida is open for business. “That’s exactly the kind of economic development we want,” he said.

Overall, he said Southwest Florida will benefit from having global money brought into the local economy. Plus, the Hertz relocation will send a signal to other national organizations that Southwest Florida is recovering from the period of high foreclosure rates and economic struggles seen during the recession.

Tim Rose, president of the Fort Myers-based independent franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes:

“I’m excited,” he said. “Anytime we can get new jobs in our area, it’s fantastic.”

Rose said he believes the additional jobs will create supplemental employment. For instance, delis may open around the new headquarters to feed its employees and additional staff may need to be hired to clean the building.  He said it also sets a nice tone for the area that Southwest Florida is attracting Fortune 500 companies. And although the relocation of Hertz won’t likely provide a boom for the construction industry, Rose said it will definitely have a good impact on the industry – and the overall economy.

Joni Norton, consulting partner at Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Co., P.A.:

“Other businesses will feel it could be a good time to grow in Southwest Florida as well,” she said

Norton said having Hertz move into the region will bring economic benefits including an increase in real estate taxes and the possible enticement of other large businesses to Southwest Florida.  It could also bring a positive energy to the area. Many local businesses put their plans on hold during the recession. But with Hertz moving to Estero, she said businesses might take this as a positive sign and decide to expand their operations.

Ted Todd, a senior account agent with Allstate and owner of Bonita Springs-based Ted Todd Insurance:

“From what I’ve heard, it’s higher-than-average paying jobs, so that’s exceptional,” he said.

Todd said Hertz will help bring money into the local economy and attract new people to the area. Plus, this news brings excitement to Southwest Florida. When traveling through large metropolitan areas, he said it’s common to see corporate headquarters upon corporate headquarters. With a few exceptions, Todd said this isn’t too common in Southwest Florida – not yet, anyways.

Debi Montenieri, president of the Estero Chamber of Commerce:

“It’ll be a tremendous boost for the economy in Estero and Southwest Florida in general,” Montenieri said.

Through her connections with the community and county government, Montenieri  said she had heard that a “mystery company” was looking into Estero. She’s glad Hertz chose the area and hopes it will join the chamber. Hertz will benefit the economy in Estero and Southwest Florida by giving a boost to housing – as the new employees will need somewhere to live – and improving employment. It will also boost other community businesses as these new residents will make purchases in malls, grocery stores, etc.

Dan Regelski, director of the Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University:

“I just think it’s extremely intelligent – the location as well,” Regelski said.

Regelski said he’s always seen the Estero and Bonita Springs market as the soul of Southwest Florida. It has many growing businesses, is close to Florida Gulf Coast University, is near I-75 and is located by an airport. Plus, he said it has a sound and stable city government with a city manager and mayor who are supportive of planned economic development and growth.
By relocating to Estero, he said Hertz will be able to take advantage of all these attributes. Plus, it will be near FGCU and can take advantage of its intern programs and recent graduates.

Jeff Tumbarello, director of the Southwest Florida Real Estate Investment Association:

“Anything that can diversify our job base can do nothing but help,” Tumbarello said.

Tumbarello said it will bring a lot of white-collar jobs to the area, which is something Southwest Florida lacks. He said the area mainly has service and construction jobs. It’s also symbolic. Some have said that Southwest Florida would never attract a major company like Hertz. The fact that a Fortune 500 company decided to move its headquarters to Estero is an endorsement of the area

For more information and to view the formal release and video, click HERE!

Are you relocating to Southwest Florida with Hertz? Let John R. Wood Realtors help you find your new home is Paradise! As the oldest residential real estate brokerage in the area, John R. Wood Realtors can help you get to know your new home and help you navigate the real estate market!

Contact a John R. Wood Agent today!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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As reported in the Naples Daily news this past Saturday, investors seem to be scooping up real estate in Florida. Specifically Hedge funds, corporate buyers and large investors are picking up these buys and some are speculating that this could lead to higher prices and home rentals in some areas of Florida.  Some also say that while we may see some double-digit prices, it may be due to hedge funds and foreign investors. RealtyTrac officials are echoing the same opinion.  In the past, properties in Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties were targeted for acquisition by Hedge Funds, but now Tampa and the Southwest Florida markets are as well.  This activity has also contributed to the decline in inventory in Southwest Florida.  However, others speculate that properties in Collier County are not being bought up in such a flurry as in other areas because the typical criteria for purchase is a single-family home under $250,000 in a high-demand area for rentals. Due to a higher price point in the Naples market, this inventory is not so readily available.

To see the full article, click HERE.

For more information and data research in the Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero Market, please visit the John R. Wood Market Statistics Page or contact a John R. Wood Realtor today.

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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Guess what day it is? It’s Friday and time to make those weekend plans! There are many things taking place in Southwest Florida this weekend – it looks like there is something for everyone, including Mom in celebrating Mother’s Day on Sunday May 12th! Courtesy of Gulfshore Life, here’s your top 5 things to do in Southwest Florida this weekend!

1. Stop calling him Hootie! Darius Rucker is on his own now, playing country rather than the Top 40 rock of his band’s early-’90s star-making run. But he’s still got that plaintive tenor, and a way with words that fits just about any genre. See him live tonight at Germain Arena. www.germainarena.com
2. ArtsNaples World Festival returns for year two with a Latin flair. The cultural festival celebrates the heritage of Latin American with a series of performances, starting Friday when piano virtuoso Priscila Navarro kicks things off at The von Liebig Art Center. Performances continue through Tuesday’s big finale with trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval at Artis. www.Naplesartsnaplesworldfestival.org
3.  A ladies book club meeting turns hilarious when they decide to read Fifty Shades of Grey in parody 50 Shades! The Musical at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Friday. www.bbmannpah.com
4. One of Naples’ most entertaining traditions continues for its 37th time as the Great Dock Canoe Race returns to Crayton Cove on Saturday. Come watch nearly professional racers, local VIPs and folks who just wanted to see how silly they can make a canoe look race around the Naples City Dock. www.greatdockcanoerace.com
5. Southwest Florida’s newest professional sports team takes the field for the first time on Saturday as the Adrenaline soccer team host the squad from Fort Lauderdale’s Shulz Academy. The game will be played at Barron Collier High School at 6 p.m. www.swfladrenaline.com

Don’t forget to visit John R. Wood Realtors’ Open Houses this weekend! What a perfect gift for Mom – a beachfront condo on Gulf Shore Blvd!

See our Open House ad in this Sunday’s edition of Naples Daily News!  Do you want to contact a John R. Wood Agent now? Just click HERE!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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Just yesterday, May 9th, representatives from the Florida Tourism Department hosted a breakfast at the Hazelton Hotel in Toronto, Canada, serving up French toast, eggs and delicious Florida orange juice of course!  There were representatives from Miami, Naples, Sarasota, Orlando, Tampa, Amelia Island, Fort Lauderdale, The Space Coast, Fort Myers/Sanibel, The Palm Beaches and other Florida cities.

Their purpose was to cover all the Sunshine state has to offer to our Canadian friends who desire to visit and vacation in Florida annually, or to make one of these Florida cities their winter home away from home in paradise.

While the entire state was covered, some of the highlights in Southwest Florida discussed were:

• The Inn on Fifth in Naples has undergone a major renovation and now has club level suites with larger rooms and 24-hour concierge service.
• Also in Naples, the Dolphin Explorer Cruise was discussed, as well at the Golisano’s Children’s Museum and the Naples Botanical Gardens.
• There are over 90 public golf courses in Fort Myers, along with beaches and bird-watching opportunities.

To see the full article written by Jim Byers for the Toronto Star, please click HERE.

If you’re looking to find your winter or vacation home in paradise, look no further than John R. Wood Realtors! Many of our agents are Certified International Property Specialists and can assist you in your real estate purchase whether you’re our neighbor from Canada, or from Europe, South America, Asia or anywhere!

To find a John R. Wood Agent now, click HERE!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate

John R. Wood Realtors – The Symbol of Local Knowledge.

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Just yesterday,  media sources including the News-Press, released big news about Hertz making Lee County the home of its new headquarters.  The deal to bring Hertz to Lee County will cost the state an additional $68 million in tax credits over the next 20 years, but Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday said it was worth it.

He states:

“This is a big victory for Florida and a big victory for Lee County, and we have to make sure it is a big victory for Hertz.”

The deal, shrouded in secrecy so the name of the company wouldn’t be revealed until Tuesday, was eight months in the making .  Hertz CEO Mark P. Frissora vowed to be a good neighbor and a strong corporate citizen.

“We will validate your sound judgment,” Frissora said. “Florida is a great place to run a business and to raise a family, and we are happy to be here.

The Fortune 500 company will locate its facilities on the Northeast Corner of US 41 and Williams Road in Estero.  Hertz will hire up to 700 people and spend $60 million dollars to build the new 300,000-square foot headquarters.

For Estero, this is a huge economic boost, sure to bring revenue to local businesses and the real estate market in Estero, as well as neighboring communities such as Bonita Springs, Naples and Ft. Myers, FL.

For more information and to view the formal release and video, click HERE!

Are you relocating to Southwest Florida with Hertz? Let John R. Wood Realtors help you find your new home is Paradise! As the oldest residential real estate brokerage in the area, John R. Wood Realtors can help you get to know your new home and help you navigate the real estate market!

Contact a John R. Wood Agent today!

Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero FL Real Estate